From Piñatas to Pizza: Navigating Birthday Parties with Food Allergies
Birthday parties should be all about balloons, cake, and childhood magic—but when you have a child with food allergies, they can feel like a minefield. What food will be served? Will my child feel left out if she can’t eat the cake? Who will be able to manage an allergic reaction at the party?
When my boys were little, I stayed at every single birthday party. I packed a safe cupcake in my bag, scanned the treat table, and made sure I knew exactly what would be served. Back then, it wasn’t common for invitations to mention food, so I always had to reach out to the host. I like to think I helped start the trend of the perfect birthday invitation—one that kindly states what food will be served and says something like, “Let us know if your child has food allergies.” It’s such a simple act, but it makes all the difference for a food allergy family.
Not all parties have gone smoothly. One year, my son was invited to a birthday party, and the kids excitedly gathered around the piñata, waiting for the candy to fall. When it burst open, it rained peanut butter cups—his allergen. My heart sank. I never would have imagined! I totally forgot to ask about a piñata. It was a stark reminder of how easily food allergies can be overlooked.
Over the years, though, I’ve been so lucky to find the kind of friends and neighbors who truly get it. As my boys' friendships have grown, so have the accommodations made by other parents. These days, before I even have a chance to ask, moms are reaching out to me about what’s safe to serve, which bakeries are allergy-friendly, or even where to order safe pizza. They want my kids to be included, to feel safe, to have fun. And let me tell you—finding people who just get it is one of the best feelings in the world.
As a pediatrician and a food allergy mom, I’ve had the unique privilege of helping educate parents in my community, teaching them how to use an EpiPen with confidence, and reassuring them that including kids with food allergies doesn’t have to be difficult. And the more awareness spreads, the better things get for all of us.
As a food allergy parent, there are things you can do to make birthday parties less stressful. Stay in close communication with the host, bring a safe treat, and teach your child how to self-advocate when they’re old enough. And most importantly—find your people and keep them close. The ones who ask before you ask, who check in, who make the effort. Because when you do, you’ll see that birthday parties can be magical for your child, too.
Hi! I'm Dr. Julie - a pediatrician and food allergy mom x3. I know first-hand the overwhelm and worry that come with raising kids with food allergies.
I help mom's like you feel calm, prepared and empowered so that your child can thrive.
PS: Check out the Allergy Mom MD Academy guides including the Food Allergy Quick-Start Guide and my Top Birthday Party Tips.
